An Eclectic Farmhouse On A Charming Australian Island

This beautiful and also eclectic-looking structure is located on Bruny Island in Australia. It’s part of a peaceful rural area with lovely weathered sheds and farmhouses as its neighbors. Based on the context, studio FMD Architects chose a blend of styles, a combination of contemporary and farmhouse influences in order to give this house an opportunity to blend in while also making it special. 

On the outside, the house blends easily into the landscape thanks to its rusty color scheme
On the outside, the house blends easily into the landscape thanks to its rusty color scheme
The social area is an open space with concrete floors and large frameless windows
The social area is an open space with concrete floors and large frameless windows

The house was built in 2020 and measures only 263 square meters in total. Its small footprint was an intentional decision guided by a desire to maximize the actual farmland around the building. However, even though it’s quite compact, the interior is open and spacious and also quite versatile. On the outside, the house features an earthy and weathered color scheme, one which allows it to blend into the surroundings. At the same time its architecture and overall geometry are quite minimalistic and modern. 

The open kitchen features a geometric island with an elegant design
The open kitchen features a geometric island with an elegant design
A red brick pattern and brown ceiling give the bathroom a warm and welcoming look
A red brick pattern and brown ceiling give the bathroom a warm and welcoming look

The design strategy for the interior was one based on versatility and flexibility. The architects included elements such as frameless windows which bring in lots of natural light and expose the rooms to the beautiful views of the water and the mountains. They balanced them out with a sloped roof lined with wool which helps with the thermal insulation but also adds texture to the design and turns the ceiling into an unexpected focal point. 

The house is intentionally small in order to maximize the arable land on the property
The house is intentionally small in order to maximize the arable land on the property

Another interesting design decision was to make this primarily a house for two but to allow it to accommodate extra guests. In order to make it possible, the designers added sunken beds along the windows in the main bedroom and living areas. 

In-ground beds line the windows in the living area as well as the bedroom
In-ground beds line the windows in the living area as well as the bedroom
The simple palette of materials used for the interior includes concrete, plywood and wool
The simple palette of materials used for the interior includes concrete, plywood and wool
The surrounding outdoor spaces are also quite minimal for similar reasons
The surrounding outdoor spaces are also quite minimal for similar reasons
The large frameless windows let in the beautiful views and sunlight
The large frameless windows let in the beautiful views and sunlight
At the center of the living area is a wood-burning fireplace
At the center of the living area is a wood-burning fireplace